Confusing language in abortion bill explained

How does a doctor terminate a pregnancy in a way that “provides the best opportunity for the unborn child to survive”?

Many state representatives, including Sarah Davis, R-West University Place, were wondering the same thing after reading a passage in the omnibus abortion bill, House Bill 2.

Davis, the lone Republican opposing the bill, asked its author, state Rep. Jodie Laubenberg, R-Parker, to explain the confusing language Tuesday amid the House debate. The passage reads: “A physician performing an abortion… shall terminate the pregnancy in the manner that, in the physician’s reasonable medical judgement, provides the best opportunity for the unborn child to survive.”

Laubenberg did not have an immediate answer, but referred Davis to another member who is a physician.

In an interview, state Rep. Donna Howard, D-Austin, who is a registered nurse, with the help of state Rep. John Zerwas, R-Richmond, a doctor, explains the confusing language in the audio below.

“When terminating a pregnancy for maternal medical reasons (when the mother’s life is in danger)… this ensures the doctor will do all they could to ensure the life of the fetus,” she said.